Philosophy and Politics Books

Ponder the issues of life, existence and knowledge with classic books by some of the greatest thinkers in all history. Political theory, philosophical treaties from the ancient Greeks to the modern era and more are included in the Folio Society’s collection of beautiful books on Philosophy and Politics. Each title features carefully researched or original commissioned illustrations, and presented in specially designed hardback covers. See below for the full list of Folio Philosophy and Politics Books.

John Lukacs

A ‘political turncoat, a dangerous adventurer’; a ‘delightful rogue who lacked political judgement’ – in May, 1940 Winston Churchill's reputation as Britain's greatest statesman was by no means certain

Abraham Lincoln

Compiled by award-winning biographer Fred Kaplan, this collection, unique to Folio, brings together the best of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, letters and articles to give the reader intimate insight into the particular nature of his political and literary genius.

Marcus Aurelius

Confucius

In this edition, illustrated with beautiful Sung Dynasty paintings that reflect Confucian subjects and ideas, every reader can profit from the timeless philosophy that remains at the heart of Chinese civilisation and tradition.

The Bhagavad Gita is the cornerstone of the Hindu faith and one of the world’s greatest religious texts. Gandhi called it his ‘spiritual dictionary’, while as a secular work it inspired Einstein, Yeats and Jung. Our edition uses Juan Mascaró’s acclaimed translation, with illustrations by Anna Bhushan.

Cicero

So impossible to vanquish with words that Mark Antony put him to death, Cicero was a master of rhetoric and declamation. His Orations live on, echoed by the most famous speakers of modern times, from Winston Churchill to Barack Obama. In a rare commission for Folio, Tom Phillips, RA, has illustrated this edition.

Boethius

Boethius’ incredible presence of mind enabled him to produce this work of genius while he awaited execution on a false charge of treason. For many years the most popular book in Europe next to the Bible, its relevance endures.

Søren Kierkegaard

M.K. Gandhi

In his inspiring account of the first half of his life, Gandhi recounts his childhood in India, education in England and early legal career in South Africa, before his return home to take up the cause of Indian self-determination.

René Descartes

How do we know that what we think is true is actually true? Can we prove the existence of God? Descartes’ questions endure. The Folio edition of Meditations is wittily illustrated by Shout, with an introduction by psychologist Nicholas Humphrey.